Gerrard believes Sturridge and Rooney are the perfect pair

09 October 2013 03:16

Steven Gerrard is convinced Daniel Sturridge and Wayne Rooney can form the perfect strike partnership and fire England into the World Cup.

Neither frontman was available for last month's crucial trip to Ukraine, and in their absence England were unable to find a way through the home side's solid defences.

The point did maintain England's unbeaten qualification record.

However, at least one victory at some point over the next week is imperative if Roy Hodgson's men are to advance to the finals in Brazil without the need for a hazardous play-off. The worst-case scenario is that they find themselves eliminated altogether.

Hodgson is therefore delighted to have Rooney and Sturridge available this time around, even if the pair have only amassed 30 minutes on the pitch together for England, during last May's friendly with Republic of Ireland at Wembley.

And, knowing Rooney has found the net five times this season, and Sturridge has scored on eight occasions for Liverpool, it is no surprise to learn captain Gerrard feels exactly the same.

Speaking on behalf of official England partners William Hill, Gerrard said: "The potential in that partnership is frightening.

"They are both very skilful, they can both create and they can both score. All the boxes are ticked.

"They just have to prove they can make it happen. That is the most difficult thing but I have belief in both of them."

Gerrard has been impressed at how well Sturridge has flourished under the guidance of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who has given the 24-year-old the confidence he needed to progress.